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WV Governor - D Primary

RACE DETAILS

Parents

> United States > West Virginia > Governor

Office

Governor

Type

Primary Election

Filing Deadline

January 30, 1996 - 12:00pm

Polls Open

May 14, 1996 - 07:00am

Polls Close

May 14, 1996 - 11:00pm

Term Start

January 03, 1997 - 12:00pm

Term End

January 03, 2001 - 12:00pm

Contributor

411 Name Removed

Last Modified

RBH February 04, 2022 03:52pm

Data Sources

America Votes 22:527 (returns); New York Times, 5/2/1996 (commentary)

Description

Gaston Caperton was a successful Governor. He raised teacher's salaries, worked to improve the state educational system, and worked to bring better businesses to the state. The Democratic Party in this fairly reliable state expected to build on their previous eight years.

The leader in the polls throughout the Democratic primary campaign was Charlotte Pritt, a state senator and school teacher. Pritt ran against Caperton four years earlier and placed a respectable second. She called for the elimination of taxes on food and a reduction in taxes on gas. Educators and union leaders endorsed her.

Pritt's chief rival was Joe Manchin. A construction contractor and coal broker, Manchin also served in the state senate. He had the support of the business interests in the state.